"Every derby match is different, just like every season is different. You can see that regardless of what position either side is in the table," he told a news conference.

"You saw what happened when they came to our place last season, and we went there [Old Trafford] and won as well.

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"I think league position has nothing to do with it, it's just a game by game thing really.

"Obviously it means a huge amount. We know the importance of the derby and for the people who have been at the game or fans of either club, and in particular City fans. It's a great chance the next day when you go into work or see your mates on the street, it's a chance, if you've won, to wind up the red half a little bit."

City are two points clear of Chelsea atop the table and nine better off than United ahead of the derby.

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Netherlands through to Nations League semi-finals after stunning late win over Germany

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Netherlands through to Nations League semi-finals after stunning late win over Germany